Trade group says US construction employment has ‘stalled’

Skyline of New York City, New York, US. Construction in the US is suffering from a lack of skilled workers, the Associated General Contractors of America said. Image: Adobe Stock

“Construction employment has stalled or retreated in many areas for a variety of reasons,” said Ken Simonson, AGC’s chief economist.

“But contractors report they would hire more people if only they could find more qualified and willing workers and tougher immigration enforcement wasn’t disrupting labour supplies.”

The strongest year-over-year gains were concentrated in a handful of large metro areas. Arlington–Alexandria–Reston (Virginia and West Virginia) led all markets for the fifth straight month, adding 7,900 jobs (9%).  The steepest percentage gains, each at 11%, occurred in Las Cruces, New Mexico (up 500 jobs), Canton–Massillon, Ohio (up 1,100), and Pocatello, Idaho (up 300). Battle Creek, Michigan, also posted 10% growth.

But just less than half (49%) of the regions moved in the opposite direction. Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario (California) lost 7,200 jobs (-6%), the largest decline. Niles, Michigan, recorded the sharpest percentage decrease at -9% (down 200).

Looking across the states, the picture was similarly mixed. Texas construction employment grew 4% year over year, while Ohio rose 5%, North Carolina increased 4%, and Virginia gained 6%.

Losses were concentrated in several coastal states: California declined 2%, Washington dropped 4%, New Jersey slid 4%, New York fell 2%, Nevada contracted 3%, and Louisiana also slipped 3%.

US construction trade group calls July job growth ‘anemic’ Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows signs of stress in construction